Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living "La Vie En Rose" Past Review

By (French, Business Administration, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/05/2012 to 05/04/2012 with

IES Abroad: Paris - French Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The distance from familiarity and complete engulfment into another very different culture caused me to reflect consistently on my life and how my interactions, and this of others, affect the world. I learned what to value in one culture and what to learn from certain values that did not correlate with my ideas. I learned how thrive under pressure and appreciate everything around me. I wish I had not have left, and I am going back as soon as I graduate.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All the courses were interesting, french related, challenging, and beneficial to learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All administrators were available, understanding, and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Problems with housing include: culture related problems, siblings, location, food availability, and the obvious fact that the only reason some of these families took in students was to make money.

* Food:

Breakfasts and 3 dinners a week are supposed to be provided by host families; however, consistency was varied to say in the least and in some cases meals were not served

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I stayed an extra three months to work as an intern in a small French business and by the end of my experience I felt completely integrated into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I contracted strep throat and the health care system could not have been easier to navigate. The antibiotics were cheap, the doctor was easily accessible, and the program helped me find the appropriate doctor and closest location.

* Safety:

Living in a large city obviously creates safety hazards, but if students are well prepared, aware, and street smart there should not be a problem. I never encountered a problem with harassment, robbery, or physical safety issues.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Paris is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Living on a student's budget is nearly impossible.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries, cook at home as much as possible. Use public transportation as much as possible.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The program required for students to speak in French at all times in the center/

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4307 level French Cinema Course, 4303 French Theatre 17th siècle
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Do not speak English with your American friends. Find as many French friends as you can and spend time with them au lieu of spending time with Americans/English speaking people.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Class trips to Chambord and Reims to taste wine, experience French cuisine, and visit castles.
  • The laid back feeling of the group, specifically the conversation groups held in bars with french natives.
  • The amazing professors (FABRICE).
* What could be improved?
  • Host family choices
  • The food and transportation costs included in the program's overall cost.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That my time abroad would be the most magical experience of my life and to write about, cherish, and photograph each day.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'